Browning Superposed Beavertail Forearm Screw Washer

The production of the Browning Superposed over/under shotgun began in 1931. It has gone through many configurations in the years and is currently still in production through the Browning International Custom Shop.

The information below is critical must have knowledge necessary for ordering parts, wood, and barrels for your Browning Superposed.

What "Configuration Type", "Tang Style", and "Inletting Style" is your Superposed?

1. Locating your serial number

   The true complete serial number of the Superposed can only be found underneath of the TOP LEVER. All other numbers represent production sequence only and are used by the factory to denote what barrel set is paired with an individual receiver. See figure 1-A to locate the top lever on your firearm.

   
   Figure 1-A

2. Reading Your Serial Number

   Below, use the chart to determine the year your Superposed was manufactured.

   Date	Historic Information	Serial Number Info
   1931-1939	Production of the Superposed 12 ga. began in 1931.	1-17,000 Exact production figures are not available. Year of manufacture on Pre-World War II production is strictly a guess at best.
   1939-1947	Production ceased during World War II
   1948		17100-17200
   1949	Production of the 20 ga. began. First series of numbers are for the 12 ga. Second series of numbers are for the 20 ga. These serial numbers for each year from 1949-63 are best guess.	12 ga.: 17201-20000 20 ga.: 100-1700
   1950		12 ga.: 20001-21000 20 ga.: 1701-2800
   1951		12 ga.: 21001-27000 20 ga.: 2801-2100
   1952		12 ga.: 27001-33000 20 ga.: 3201-5300
   1953		12 ga.: 33001-37000 20 ga.: 5301-6700
   1954		12 ga.: 37001-43000 20 ga.: 6701-8400
   1955		12 ga.: 43001-48000 20 ga.: 8401-9400
   1956		12 ga.: 48001-54000 20 ga.: 9401-10500
   1957		12 ga.: 54001-59000 20 ga.: 10501-11500
   1958		12 ga.: 59001-68500 20 ga.: 11501-14180
   1959		12 ga.: 68501-76500 20 ga.: 14181-17060
   1960		12 ga.: 76501-86500 20 ga.: 17061-20640
   1961		12 ga.: 86501-96500 20 ga.: 20641-23820
   1962		12 ga.: 96501-99999 20 ga.: 23821-27300
   1963-1968	From 1962 serial numbers were followed by the date of manufacture. 2S=12 gauge for the year 1962. 2V=20 gauge for the year 1962. 2F=28 gauge for the year 1962. 2J=.410 bore for the year 1962. Example: 6556S2 = A 1962 Superposed 12 ga. shotgun with serial number 6556.	S=12 gauge V=20 gauge F=28 gauge J=.410 bore
   1969-1975	1969 started using two digits for the date of manufacture: S=12 gauge V=20 gauge F=28 gauge J=.410 bore This was then preceded by the serial number beginning with 1000. Example: 1000S69 = A 1969 Superposed 12 ga.. shotgun with a serial number of 1000.	S=12 gauge V=20 gauge F=28 gauge J=.410 bore
   1976-1986	In 1975 Browning standardized its serial number identification which it followed until 1998. Superposed Type: 213=12 gauge 233=20 gauge 173=28 gauge 183=.410 bore Date of Manufacture is a two digit code: Z=1, Y=2, X=3, W=4, V=5, T=6, R=7, P=8, N=9, M=0 Serial Number beginning with 01001 at the start of each year.	Serial Number Example: 213RT01001 This would be an Superposed 12 ga., manufactured in 1976 with the serial number 01001.

   Using the above chart you should now be able to distinguish the year and gauge of your Superposed.

3. Determining Tang Style

   The Browning Superposed was manufactured with 3 "Tang Styles"

   • Straight Tang also know as Superlight
   • Long Tang
   • Short Tang

   Use Figure 1-B to determine the "Tang Style" of your Superposed.

   
   Figure 1-B

4. Determining "Inletting" Type

   Two "Inletting" types have been used in the production of Superposed Shotguns.

   • "Y" Inlet
   • "U" Inlet

   Use Figure 1-C to determine what "Inletting" type your Super uses. Most pre 1967 Superposed were manufactured with the "Y" Inletting however, if your Superposed is a 1966, it could be a "Y" or "U" inlet.

   
   Figure 1-C

With this information, you should be able to correctly identify the most important aspects of your Superposed.

Thank you very much for taking the time to review the above information. If you are in need of more assistance or you have found the above information a useful shopping tool please contact us at [email protected].